Building Confidence as an Introverted Professional
In a world where assertiveness and outgoing personalities often seem to be valued above all else, introverted professionals can struggle to find their footing.
Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, introverts often face unique challenges in the workplace, from navigating loud and bustling open offices to navigating high-stakes meetings and presentations.
For many introverts, these challenges can lead to feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy and marginalization. But what if being an introvert wasn't a liability but rather a strength? What if, instead of trying to fit into an extrovert-dominated mold, you could leverage your natural talents and abilities to achieve success and confidence?
Building confidence as an introverted professional requires more than just adopting extroverted traits or trying to fit in. It demands a deep understanding of your own strengths, values and goals, as well as a willingness to challenge societal expectations and forge your own path.
Understanding Introversion and Extroversion
Here’s the thing. Most people think of introverts as people who are quiet, not outgoing, and like to stay home alone. But those are just some common traits shared by many (not all) introverts. There are many introverts who are chatty and like to be around people they enjoy, and there are plenty of quieter extroverts who enjoy spending time at home.
The true difference lies in where someone gets their energy from. Introverts recharge and fill their energy cups by being alone, while extroverts recharge by being around others. This is one reason why workplaces can make a difference. While introverts and extroverts can both be great leaders, speakers, and workers, introverts will find that throughout the day, the more they’re around people, the lower their energy drops. On the other hand, extroverts will find that their energy rises the more they’re around others. This doesn’t mean that going to work means that extroverts won’t get exhausted.
There are many factors that can lead to even an extrovert losing energy, such as not enjoying their job, the energy of others being negative, etc.
Introversion and Confidence
The relationship between introversion and confidence is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, it may seem that introverts are inherently less confident than extroverts. After all, introverts tend to shy away from the spotlight, prefer quieter environments, and may take longer to articulate their thoughts. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they lack confidence. In fact, many introverts possess a deep sense of self-awareness, critical thinking skills, and creative potential that can be powerful confidence boosters. But when we think of confidence, we think of someone a little more assertive and outgoing.
One challenge introverts might face is navigating a world that often rewards extroverted traits. Workplace cultures frequently prioritize assertiveness, rapid-fire decision-making, and constant networking–all of which can be draining for introverts. It can often lead an introvert to feel inadequate or self-doubt, as introverts may feel they don't fit the mold of a "successful" professional. There’s also the societal expectations around communication styles, leadership, and teamwork that can perpetuate this idea that introverts are less capable or less confident.
However, introversion and confidence are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many successful introverted professionals have learned to harness their unique strengths to build confidence. Introverts tend to excel in areas such as:
Deep thinking and analysis
Active listening and empathy
Creative problem-solving
Writing and communication
Independent work and self-motivation
Instead of always telling introverts they need to gain more confidence because of our extrovert-centred definition of confidence, it might be worth redefining our definition and idea of what confidence looks like. By embracing their introversion and leveraging their strengths, professionals can overcome self-doubt and build a more confident, fulfilling career.
Self-Reflection and Awareness for Confidence
Confidence starts within. If you don’t believe that you’re confident or have any reason to be confident, you will not be confident. Others might have a limited view of what confidence looks like, but you cannot let their definition be your definition.
The best way to reprogram your view of confidence is through self-reflection and awareness. You start by identifying your strengths, values and goals. It’s also helpful to work on reprogramming what you consider a weakness into something positive. For instance, “I am too shy” can become “I am a great active listener and observer. By remaining quiet, I can see things others can’t.”
By taking time to self-reflect, you can start to see yourself in a more positive light. You begin to rethink all of the traits that others take as a lack of confidence and see them as strengths. Thus increasing your innate confidence. Confidence isn’t about how others see you, it’s about how you see yourself.
Communication Strategies for Introverts
As an introvert, effective communication is key to success. Two essential strategies can help you excel: active listening and preparedness. Active listening involves fully engaging with others, looking at the person, and asking thoughtful questions. This helps ensure you understand others' perspectives and builds trust. Active listening is typically where introverts shine. Preparedness, on the other hand, enables you to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Being prepared can help you feel more confident in speaking in a group and offering ideas.
Before meetings or important conversations, take time to:
Research the topic or agenda
Organize your thoughts and key points
Anticipate questions or concerns
Practice articulating your ideas
By doing so, you'll feel more confident and in control, even in high-pressure situations. While extroverts might be good at brainstorming on the fly and spit-balling ideas, it’s okay for you to take extra time beforehand to become familiar with and think out solutions and ideas. Well-thought-out ideas are a valuable addition.
Meetings, networking events, and public speaking can be daunting for introverts. Personally, I know that I often struggle with meetings. I’m not great when clients ask me for ideas on the fly or want me to lay out systems and processes while we are talking. I used to get quite flustered and stumped and leave meetings feeling awful and embarrassed. I also found as soon as I left the meeting, that’s when I’d get all of the ideas flooding in.
Here are some tips to help you navigate these situations:
Meetings: Arrive early, review the agenda, and prepare thoughtful questions. This helps you stay focused and contribute meaningfully. For client meetings, I will ask them to send me a list of what they’d like to discuss ahead of time so I can think about them beforehand and look things up if need be (this also helps speed up meetings as we aren’t wasting time thinking about things or look them up on the call).
Networking Events: Set clear goals (e.g., meet three new people), prepare an elevator pitch, and take breaks to recharge. I find it helpful to create an out excuse. When I sense my energy level is lowering and I’m getting overwhelmed, I excuse myself to use the bathroom and find a place to collect myself.
Public Speaking: Prepare thoroughly, focus on your message, and practice relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing). Make the speech into a process. Instead of it being a scary thing where you’re talking to a bunch of people, reframe it so that you’re simply working through a finely honed system.
Additionally, consider the following:
Ask for time to think before responding to questions
Use nonverbal cues (e.g., nodding, smiling) to show engagement
Follow up with others after events to solidify connections
Take notes to keep busy and help solidify concepts in your head
As an introvert, assertiveness and boundary setting are crucial to maintaining your energy and confidence. Assertiveness does not have to look exactly the same as an extrovert. It’s not about stepping into the spotlight and taking charge, even if you don’t know what to do. Instead, it’s about making your needs clear.
Practice saying:
"I need time to think about that."
"I'm not comfortable with that approach."
"I'd prefer to discuss this in a smaller group/privately."
When setting boundaries, remember:
Be clear and direct
Use "I" statements to express feelings and needs (people are more receptive when they feel like they’re not being attacked)
Prioritize self-care and downtime
By asserting yourself and setting healthy boundaries, you'll protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being.
Leverage Your Strengths and Opportunities to Gain Confidence
When you leverage your innate strengths and stay in your zone of genius, you’ll find you naturally have confidence or your confidence increases.
As an introvert, you possess unique strengths that can propel your career forward. Embracing these strengths can help you build confidence, differentiate yourself, and achieve success. The best businesses and workplaces are the ones that allow their workers to utilize their strengths and work in the way that allows them to be the most productive.
Consider the following:
Writing: Introverts often excel at writing (as opposed to speaking to brainstorm), which can be a powerful tool for communication, thought leadership, and brand building. Leverage your writing skills to create engaging content, blog posts, or even books. This is also a strength in corporate environments. Write and record your thoughts and add to them as new ideas populate. Present the ideas you’ve recorded to provide a deeper level of discussion.
Research: Introverts tend to be meticulous researchers, uncovering valuable insights and information and making connections others might have missed. Apply this skill to drive business decisions, solve complex problems, or develop innovative solutions. If you work for a company or you’re an assistant, this can help your company improve their SOPs and internal processes.
Analysis: Introverts often possess strong analytical skills, enabling them to evaluate data, identify patterns, and provide strategic recommendations. Things are always changing. The strongest businesses are the ones that keep up with the ever-changing landscape and technology. As an introvert, you might find that you’re great at reviewing the data and better able to make suggestions for how to improve and keep up.
Listening: Introverts are naturally attentive listeners, capable of building strong relationships and understanding others' needs.
By focusing on these strengths, you can:
Develop a personal brand as a thought leader or expert
Create valuable content that showcases your expertise
Provide unique insights that drive business growth
Build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, or mentors
Become a valuable asset to discussions on how to improve internal systems
Introverts can benefit from targeted growth opportunities that play to their strengths. Consider the following:
Mentorship: Find a mentor who values your introverted strengths and can offer guidance, support, and industry insights.
Training and courses: Engage in online or in-person training programs that focus on writing, research, analysis, or other areas where you excel.
Networking: Attend targeted networking events, conferences, or workshops that align with your interests and strengths.
Independent projects: Pursue side projects or freelance work that leverages your skills and passions.
To maximize these opportunities:
Set clear goals for your growth and development
Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers
Prioritize self-directed learning and exploration
Celebrate your achievements and progress
The digital landscape has created new avenues for introverts to shine. Things have been changing in our post-covid society that are often a huge benefit to introverts:
Remote work: Leverage remote work opportunities to thrive in a quieter, more autonomous environment.
Online communities: Engage with online forums, social media groups, or podcasts to network in a way that aligns with your interests.
Content creation: Produce content on platforms like YouTube, Medium, or LinkedIn.
Virtual events: Participate in webinars, conferences, or workshops that cater to introverted preferences.
By embracing these emerging opportunities, you can expand your reach, build your network, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
Whether you’re introverted or extroverted (or a little in the middle), you’ll find yourself facing self-doubt and imposter syndrome at some point. That often means that you are stepping out of your comfort zone and making valuable changes, but it can still be uncomfortable, and many times, people get stuck there.
But, given that the world is often extrovert-centred and extroverted traits are rewarded, introverts often experience these more deeply and internally. While I do believe the world needs to shift its perspective around what is a valuable asset in society and what confidence looks like, that’s work that will take longer than we have to accomplish.
To help you now, you can try:
Strategies for Overcoming Self-Doubt:
Self-reflection: Identify and challenge negative self-talk.
Grounding techniques: Focus on the present moment to calm anxiety.
Journalling: Record accomplishments and reflect on progress.
Support network: Surround yourself with encouraging people.
Realistic expectations: Set achievable goals and celebrate successes.
Combating Imposter Syndrome:
Reframe thinking: View mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Focus on strengths: Emphasize your skills and accomplishments.
Seek feedback from trusted mentors: Receiving both positive feedback and constructive feedback can provide opportunities for growth and learning.
Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
Additionally:
Solitude: Use alone time to recharge and reflect.
Writing: Express thoughts and feelings through writing.
Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness meditation to calm self-doubt.
Authenticity: Embrace your introverted nature and strengths.
Role models: Find introverted mentors or role models for inspiration.
While it may not feel like it sometimes, you might actually have more confidence than you realize. It can be helpful to reframe your definition of what confidence looks like and take time to self-reflect to hone in on what your strengths are. By staying in your zone of genius, you can further enhance your confidence as you experience more success and praise.
Being an introvert does not automatically make you less confident. You are as confident as you believe you are.
